Thomas Tiffany

Democratic nominee David Crowley and Republican candidate Tom Tiffany began their campaigns for Wisconsin governor.

Crowley accused Tiffany of being a "MAGA extremist," while Tiffany claimed Crowley would raise taxes.

Tiffany pledged to lower taxes and utility rates, while Crowley promised to increase school funding and expand healthcare.

Both candidates held rallies with prominent party members to project unity following the primary election.

The race for Wisconsin's next governor got under way Wednesday, with Democratic nominee David Crowley accusing Republican candidate Tom Tiffany of being a "MAGA extremist" and Tiffany arguing Crowley will lean on taxpayers at a time when household budgets are tight.

Both spent the morning after the primary election rallying supporters in southeast Wisconsin, preparing to enter into a three-month sprint to the Nov. 3 election.

In Middleton, Crowley and a host of top Democrats projected unity at a brunch organized by the party. Meanwhile, Republican candidates gathered at Burnsie's Bar & Grill in West Allis to speak with supporters.

"We've been seeing [the American] dream slip away. Our state is slipping. What have to be honest. Are we going to end up like Minnesota and Illinois? No way,"Tiffany said, speaking to a small group of supporters in the basement of the bar. "Or are we going to be one of the greatest states in America?"

Democratic Lt. Gov. nominee Sarah Godlewski made a similar argument.

"We are a clear distinction from that guy, Tom Tiffany, who is an election denier, career politician, who only cares about the wealthy and corporations," Godlewski told reporters. "That's not who Wisconsin is and that's not who we are going to elect this November."

Tiffany pledged to reduce utility rates, lower property taxes and address academic standards. Crowley said he would increase funding for public schools, expand health care options in the state and seek "guardrails" for data center projects.

Tiffany won the Republican nomination handily, with about 95% of the vote. It was one of the first races called Tuesday night. He now runs for governor with former Lancaster Mayor David Varnam.

Tiffany warned supporters they need to "buckle up," because if Crowley wins, Wisconsin will be on the wrong track come next year.

"We've already seen it, where he had budget deficits. What did he do? Tighten the belt of government?" Tiffany said. "No, he went back to the taxpayers and taxed them more."

Alongside Tiffany, several other Republicans vying for state office also appeared, including Varnam, attorney general candidate Eric Toney and John Leiber, who is running for reelection to the office of state treasurer.

In Middleton, Crowley was joined by a host of Democrats including his top primary opponents Francesca Hong, Kelda Roys and Joel Brennan. Attorney General Josh Kaul, who is seeking reelection, U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan also attended.

"We know that we need to bring everybody to the table. When you don't have a seat at the table, you're on the menu," Crowley said. "Our workers, our farmers, our school children, our seniors, people with disabilities, they feel like no one has been listening to them. And that's what's going to be different with this election."